Antisperm antibody production following intrauterine insemination.

Fifty-one infertile women were studied prospectively to assess whether intrauterine insemination (IUI) led to the development of antisperm antibodies in cervical mucus and/or serum. All women were tested for the presence of antisperm antibodies in cervical mucus and serum before and after IUI treatment. Each woman underwent between 1 and 9 cycles of IUI (mean: 4.0 cycles). Five women (9.8%) developed serum antisperm antibodies after IUI treatment. Three of 49 women (6.1%) developed cervical mucus antisperm antibodies and three other women demonstrated disappearance of antibodies following IUI treatment. IUI did not increase mucus or serum antibody titres in women who presented with antisperm antibodies. The number of IUI cycles did not correlate with the development of antisperm antibodies. We conclude that IUI increases the risk of the female partner developing systemic antisperm antibodies but the clinical significance of this finding in unclear.     

Vaginal misoprostol enhances intrauterine insemination

This study examined whether the prostaglandin E(1) analogue misoprostol (400 microgram), when placed vaginally at the time of intrauterine insemination (IUI) improves pregnancy rates. A prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized and double-blind study involving 274 women in 494 IUI cycles resulted in a total of 64 pregnancies (13% per cycle). Misoprostol cycles totalled 253, with 43 pregnancies (17% per cycle), whereas placebo cycles totalled 241, with 21 pregnancies (9% per cycle). The cumulative pregnancy rate with misoprostol treatment was significantly greater than with placebo (P = 0.004, Cox proportional hazards regression). The benefit of misoprostol was seen in clomiphene cycles (14 versus 4%, P = 0.006), and was indicated in FSH cycles (33 versus 15%, borderline significance) and natural cycles (15.6 versus 7.7%, not significant), but was not seen in clomiphene/FSH cycles (18.2 versus 23.5%, not significant). Misoprostol treatment did not increase pain score on the day of IUI (1.1 versus 1.4) and at 1 day post IUI (0.6 versus 0.8). Complications were rare in both groups [six (2%) subject cycles in the misoprostol cycles compared with two (1%) in the placebo group]. It is concluded that the use of vaginal misoprostol may improve the chance for pregnancy in women having IUI in a wide variety of cycle types.     

影响宫腔内人工授精妊娠率的临床及精液因素分析

目的探讨促排卵方案、子宫内膜因素、处理后前向运动精子总数和活动率、受精次数对人工授精妊娠率的影响。方法回顾性分析本中心2009-2010年收治的677对病人促排卵方案,子宫内膜类型及厚度,受精次数,将前向运动精子总数分为7组,即A：（4～9）×106,B：（10～12）×106,C：（13～15）×106,D：（16～20）×106,E：（21～25）×106,F：（26～30）×106,G：〉30×106,分别比较各组患者年龄、不孕年限、活动率对临床妊娠率的影响。结果 677个周期共获得88例生化妊娠,79例临床妊娠,平均生化妊娠率为13.15%,临床妊娠率为11.81%。促排卵方案以HMG组最好,子宫内膜类型为三线征及内膜厚度大于8mm是妊娠达到10%以上的必要条件。双次人工授精妊娠率（15.27%）明显高于单次（7.57%）。各活动精子数量组妊娠率分别为0、14.37%、11.92%、15.09%、8.33%、20.34%、6.06%,A组临床妊娠率最低,与其余组比较差异有统计学意义,F组活动率和妊娠率最高,与其余组比较差异有统计学意义。结论促排卵方案以HMG组最好;三线征子宫内膜且厚度大于8mm、（26～30）×106精子密度和84%以上的活动率是获得高妊娠率的先决条件;双次人工授精优于单次。     

不同不孕原因宫腔内人工授精疗效分析

目的总结702周期因不同不孕原因行宫腔内人工授精(IUI)的临床效果.方法回顾分析我院1999年6月至2004年2月542对不孕症夫妇实施IUI治疗的702个周期.根据不孕的原因分为不明原因组、免疫性不孕组、男性因素组、卵巢因素组及输卵管因素组.比较各组间临床妊娠率.结果每周期临床妊娠率为11.25%.每例临床妊娠率为14.58%.原发不孕组临床妊娠率明显高于继发不孕组(18.46%对6.70%).输卵管因素性不孕组临床妊娠率明显低于其他不孕组.IUI治疗2周期临床妊娠率明显高于治疗1周期和3周期及以上者.结论宫腔内人工授精是治疗非输卵管因素不孕的一种有效方法,治疗时限以3周期为宜.     

宫腔内人工授精97个周期临床分析

目的 选择84对患者97个周期的宫腔内人工授精(IUI)进行临床疗效分析。方法 按自然周期、克罗米芬(CC) 补佳乐 HCG、克罗米芬(CC) HMG HCG分为三组进行围排卵期IUI技术比较。结果 84对患者进行97含属期IUI，自然周期11个，有1例妊娠，妊娠率0．09％；克罗米芬(CC) 补佳乐 HCG组57个周期，有8例妊娠，妊娠率14．04％：克罗米芬(CC) HMG HCG组29个周期，有6例妊娠，妊娠率20．69％。结论 使用促排卵药物，尤其克罗米芬(CC) HMG HCG组，诱发排卵数目多，子宫内膜厚。妊娠率高。     

Andrology: Cumulative conception rate following intrauterine artificial insemination with husband's spermatozoa: influence of husband's age

This paper presents the analysis of 901 cycles of intrauterineartificial insemination with the husband's spermatozoa (AIHIU)in 274 couples who obtained 80 pregnancies. The cumulative pregnancyrate after three cycles of AIHIU was 22% and reached 39% aftersix cycles. Univariate analysis disclosed two factors of poorprognosis: duration of infertility >3 years (P = 0.01) andhusband's age (P = 0.03). Multivariate analysis revealed thatthe most significant factor contributing to a decreased likelihoodof pregnancy was the age of the husband (P = 0.01), then durationof infertility and dysovulation. The wife’s age 35 yearsdid not appear to be of poor prognostic value when taking intoconsideration the three other factors.     

Timing ovulation for intrauterine insemination with a GnRH antagonist

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the efficacy of a GnRH antagonist in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles to increase number of mature ovulatory follicles and pregnancy rates. METHODS: Prospective randomized study. Women (18-38 years old) with primary/secondary infertility were included. Eighty-two patients were randomly assigned to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) consisting of rFSH + GnRH antagonist or rFSH alone. RESULTS: A non-significant increase in the total amount of rFSH was seen in the GnRH antagonist group (707+/-240 IU) with respect to the control group (657+/-194 IU). The number of mature follicles (> or =16 mm) was significantly higher in the GnRH antagonist group than in the control group (2.4+/-1.4 versus 1.7+/-1.2, P<0.05). Pregnancy rates were significantly increased in the group of patients receiving the GnRH antagonist (38%) compared to the control group (14%). The only non-single pregnancy (triplets) occurred in the antagonist group. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study, adding the GnRH antagonist to the COS protocol for IUI cycles significantly increased pregnancy rates. Nevertheless, these results may not be associated directly with the antagonist itself but with the fact that more mature ovulatory follicles are present by the day of the hCG. Finally, the risk for multiple gestations needs to be carefully evaluated.     

Retrograde ejaculation--pregnancy following artificial insemination

A case of retrograde ejaculation is described where pregnancy was achieved by artificial insemination using sperm recovered from the urinary bladder. The importance of the accurate diagnosis of retrograde ejaculation and its management is discussed.     

The effect of human immunodeficiency virus on sperm parameters and the outcome of intrauterine insemination following sperm washing

BACKGROUND: This is the first study to assess the outcome of sperm washing and intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles in human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV(+)) men to determine any predictors of success, as well as evaluating the effect of HIV on sperm parameters. METHODS: Semen characteristics were evaluated in 106 HIV(+) men and a control group of 234 HIV(-) men, and the effect of markers of HIV disease assessed. Age, stimulation regime, sperm parameters, markers of HIV disease and the use of anti-retrovirals were assessed as predictors of the outcome of sperm washing/IUI cycles in the HIV(+) men. RESULTS: Ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total count, progressive motility and normal morphology were all significantly higher in the control group compared to the HIV(+) men (P<0.05). A significant positive correlation was observed between CD4 count and sperm concentration, total count, motility, progressive motility type 'a'+'b' and post-preparation concentration and a significant negative correlation with normal sperm morphology of both raw and post-preparation samples. No correlation was observed between viral load (VL), years since diagnosis, use of anti-retrovirals or duration of use and any sperm parameter. The only factors that significantly improved IUI outcome were a VL <1000 copies/ml and the use of anti-retrovirals. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that sperm parameters are significantly impaired by the presence of HIV infection and in particular correlate with CD4 count. Undetectable VL and the use of anti-retrovirals improve the outcome of IUI/sperm washing in HIV(+) men.     

Patients' preferences in deciding between intrauterine insemination and expectant management

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a commonly used treatment in subfertile couples. We assessed patients' preferences for IUI relative to expectant management. METHODS: Forty subfertile couples were offered scenarios in which the treatment-independent pregnancy chance was varied against a fixed pregnancy chance after IUI without or with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) of 8% and 12% per cycle, respectively. The treatment-independent pregnancy chance within 12 months was initially set at 100%, and subsequently reduced until couples switched preferences. We also investigated the impact of the risks of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancy on couples' preferences. RESULTS: When pregnancy was guaranteed within a year, all couples would opt for expectant management. Most couples switched to IUI without COH at a 60% chance of a treatment-independent pregnancy and to IUI with COH between a 40% and 60% chance. Where the risk of OHSS was set at 10%, a large majority of the couples preferred expectant management to IUI. At a multiple pregnancy risk of 100%, 77% of the couples would still prefer IUI. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of couples prefer IUI with or without COH when the treatment-independent pregnancy chance in the next 12 months is <50% and <40%, respectively. The risk of a multiple pregnancy does not affect their preference for IUI, whereas IUI is rejected when the risk of OHSS exceeds 10%.     

精液中圆形细胞对宫腔内人工受精妊娠率的影响

目的探讨精液中圆形细胞对宫腔内人工受精（IUI）妊娠率的影响。方法分析2012年1月-2012年12月在我中心行IUI治疗的不孕患者精液情况1293个治疗周期,其中选择标准是处理前的精液液化时间≤60mim,处理后活动精子总数（PTMS）〉5×10-6／ml的患者,根据处理前精液中圆形细胞浓度分成3组：I组,≤1×10-6／ml;Ⅱ组,〉1×10-6／ml,≤5×10-6／ml;Ⅲ组〉5×10-6／ml。比较各组间的精液参数和IUI妊娠率。结果1293个IUI周期共获得181例妊娠,总周期妊娠率是14．00％。精液中圆细胞浓度大于5×10-6／ml组妊娠率极显著低于其它两组,（OVSl3．4％;0VS27．86％,P〈0．01）。而在流产率组Ⅰ组Ⅱ均差异不显著（P〉0．05）。结论在IuI治疗周期中处理前精液中圆细胞浓度大于5×10-6／ml时可能会是影响妊娠率的重要因素。     

Anaphylactic reaction after artificial insemination.

BACKGROUND: Bovine seroalbumin is known as an allergen for human beings, but reactions to it in an artificial insemination procedure are much rarer. We report a case of anaphylaxis after intrauterine insemination (IUI) in which sensitization to bovine serum albumin (BSA) is demonstrated. OBJECTIVE: Report the allergy evaluation performed in a patient who suffered a severe reaction immediately after an IUI procedure. METHODS: A 33-year-old woman was referred because of an anaphylactic reaction after a second trial of IUI. She developed pruritus, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, bronchospasm, and generalized urticaria. She had an atopic medical history of pollen allergy and sensitization to cat epithelium. She had never had trouble with minor surgery and she usually uses latex material. She had never received heterologous sera before. Her husband's semen for the IUI was processed in a standard fluid medium called upgraded INRA B 2 (Laboratoires CCD, Paris, France), which contains amino acids, lipids, vitamins, BSA, penicillin, and streptomycin in addition to inorganic salts. RESULTS: Skin prick tests with the medium and BSA 10 mg/mL were positive. In vitro studies demonstrated an immunoglobulin E binding protein of 60 to 65 kDa and mast cells and basophil activation (CD63 expression) against BSA contained in the medium. Cutaneous and challenge tests with penicillin and streptomycin were negative. CONCLUSIONS: We consider the BSA in the semen culture medium to be the factor which triggered the anaphylactic reaction. This case supports the authors who state that media free from heterologous proteins should be used for human application, especially on atopic patients, to avoid sensitization.     

103例夫精宫腔内人工授精妊娠的结局分析

目的分析夫精宫腔内人工授精妊娠结局及子代安全性。方法分析2008年1月-2012年12月行夫精宫腔内人工授精后临床妊娠的的103个周期,随访妊娠结局至产后1年。结果异位妊娠率1．94％,自然流产率16．50％,多胎率2．91％,早产率2．38％,剖宫产率72．62％。自然流产组与正常宫内孕组比较女方年龄、自然流产史有差异（P〈O．05）。新生儿男女性别比为1．56,平均出生体重、身长均在正常范围,无出生缺陷,1岁时仅1例体重偏轻。结论夫精宫腔内人工授精多胎率、剖宫产率高,自然流产与患者年龄、自然流产史有关,出生后子代发育正常,男性明显多于女性。     

不同病因不孕症宫腔内人工授精1640周期疗效分析

目的分析不同病因不孕症行夫精宫腔内人工授精(AIH/IUI)的疗效。方法对2007年1月-2007年12月在浙江省妇保院生殖中心门诊1244对不孕症实施治疗1640周期,根据不同的病因分析比较统计临床妊娠率。结果每周期的临床妊娠率为11.10%,每例临床妊娠率为14.63%。原发不孕组妊娠率高于继发不孕妊娠率(18.4%对9.7%),管性因素不孕组临床妊娠率(4.4%)显著低于不明原因(25.08%)、排卵障碍(18.48%)、男性因素(12.59%)和子宫内膜异位症组(12.62%)(P0.01),后四组妊娠率差异无显著性但以不明原因组最高。女方年龄影响妊娠率。结论夫精宫腔内人工授精(AIH/IUI)治疗非输卵管因素引起不孕疗效甚佳。     

Obstetric and perinatal outcome of pregnancies after intrauterine insemination.

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the obstetric and perinatal outcome of pregnancies after intrauterine insemination (IUI) with the partner's spermatozoa combined with ovarian stimulation. Information concerning the antenatal care and obstetric and perinatal outcome of IUI pregnancies (n = 111), spontaneous (n = 333) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) (n = 333) was obtained from the Finnish Medical Birth Register (MBR). The multiple birth rate in the IUI group was 17% (19/111). Significantly less antenatal care was required by the IUI group than the IVF group. The frequency of Caesarean section was 25% for IUI singletons and 58% for IUI multiples, similar to the other groups. The mean (SD) gestational age for IUI singletons at birth was 39.5 (1.8) weeks, with a mean birth weight of 3285 (575) g, compared with 3448 (600) g in non-assisted singletons (P < 0.05). For IUI multiples the mean gestational age at birth was 36.0 (2.8) weeks and the mean birth weight was 2449 (678) g. The incidence of preterm birth, low birth weight or low Apgar scores and the need for neonatal care were similar in all groups. One case of major malformation and two perinatal deaths were recorded in the IUI group. In conclusion, IUI treatment did not appear to increase obstetric or perinatal risks compared with matched spontaneous or IVF pregnancies. Most problems were associated with patient characteristics and multiple pregnancy. Reduction of the high incidence of multiple pregnancies after assisted reproductive technology is essential to improve its outcome.     

精液常规参数与人工授精临床妊娠率关系的研究

目的探讨精液常规参数对宫腔内人工授精（IUI）临床妊娠率的影响。方法回顾分析125例患者的178个IUI治疗周期,检测记录每个周期患者精液常规参数,并根据妊娠结果分成两组：妊娠组与非妊娠组。对主要精液常规参数精子密度、精子形态及精子总数与IUI临床妊娠率的关系进行分析。结果 125例患者IUI治疗178个周期,临床妊娠34个周期,周期妊娠率为19.10%（34/178）,IUI治疗累计临床妊娠率为27.20%（34/125）。妊娠组与非妊娠组精液常规参数无明显差别;精子总数〈100×106或精子密度〈20×106/ml患者临床妊娠率明显降低（P〈0.05）。精子形态对IUI临床妊娠率无影响。结论不孕夫妇进行IUI治疗,当精子总数≥100×106或精子密度≥20×106/ml时才有可能获得较为理想的临床妊娠率。     

The use of intrauterine insemination in Australia and New Zealand

BACKGROUND: There is good evidence in the literature in favour of intrauterine insemination (IUI) as the most cost-effective treatment for unexplained and moderate male factor subfertility. However there is no published data on whether this evidence is being translated into clinical practice. METHODS: We identified fertility centres within Australia and New Zealand registered with the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee of the Fertility Society of Australasia. Thirty-seven of these units were then sent a postal survey to establish current clinical practice. RESULTS: Nearly a third of centres promote IVF as first-line treatment even in the presence of patent tubes and normal semen while, when semen parameters are reduced, IUI is rarely considered. One in five (20%) units remain unconvinced of the cost-effectiveness of IUI. When IUI is used, it is virtually always combined with ovarian stimulation with marginally more units using clomiphene citrate than gonadotrophins. CONCLUSIONS: Although it may take relatively more treatment cycles to achieve pregnancy, there are considerable advantages to the patient in terms of risk/benefit ratio and financial cost associated with IUI compared with IVF. In the current climate of evidence-based medicine, as clinicians we are obliged to translate this into our practice. It appears from our survey that in many units this is not happening.